KOTA KINABALU – Australian foreign minister Penny Wong has described her “balik kampung” to her birthplace, here, as an act of homecoming, hope and respect.
“It is an act of hope that my story and my family’s story can contribute to the relationship between the nation of my birth and the nation to which I belong.
“It is also a story that can strengthen the relationship between nations.
“It is an act of respect to the place and the people to stand here before you as Menteri Luar Negeri (Foreign Minister).
“It is also an act of respect to our grandmother ‘Poh-Poh’ or Ah Mah. Her courage and strength had always inspired us, and which had enabled us to enjoy many opportunities.
“These memories and so many more are in my heart.
“So, my friends, my story is a Sabah story, a Malaysian story and it is also an Australian story,” she said during a reception with friends, family and local leaders here, last night.
Wong, who is on her first official visit to Malaysia was born in Kota Kinabalu, where she spent her early years before moving to Australia at the age of eight.
The minister is expected to visit the Kinabalu International School in Jalan Khidmat here tomorrow morning and also perform a walkabout at the Luyang Market before concluding her visit to Sabah.
Also present at last night’s function were Sabah Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee, Usukan assemblyman Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin, Sandakan MP Vivian Lim, Luyang assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe and Sri Tg assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon, among others. – The Vibes, June 30, 2022
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